You were rear-ended a few weeks ago and diagnosed with a herniated disc. The pain was unbearable at first, but after some treatment, you’re starting to feel better. You’re thinking about skipping your remaining appointments because you feel okay now. This is one of the biggest mistakes car accident victims make—and it can destroy both your health and your legal case.
Feeling Better Doesn’t Mean You’re Healed
Here’s what most people don’t understand about herniated discs: the absence of pain doesn’t mean the injury is healed. A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through the outer layer, pressing on nearby nerves. Just because inflammation has decreased doesn’t mean the disc has repaired itself.
When you stop treatment early, you risk the disc herniating further, developing chronic pain, or suffering re-injury from everyday activities. What feels like recovery is often just the beginning of healing. Your doctor prescribed a full treatment plan for a reason—cutting it short puts you at serious risk for long-term complications.
Incomplete Treatment Creates Gaps the Insurance Company Will Exploit
Insurance adjusters are trained to look for any reason to reduce or deny your claim. One of their favorite tactics is pointing to gaps in treatment as evidence that your injuries weren’t that serious.
If you stop going to physical therapy or skip follow-up appointments, the insurance company will argue you must be fine—otherwise, why would you stop treating? They’ll use your decisions against you to justify a lowball offer. Even worse, they may claim any ongoing pain is unrelated to the accident because you didn’t maintain consistent treatment.
The insurance company isn’t on your side. Every gap in your medical records is ammunition they’ll use to pay you less.
Your Medical Records Tell the Story of Your Case
In personal injury cases, your medical records are the most important evidence. They document the severity of your injuries, the treatment you required, and your recovery. When those records show consistent, ongoing treatment, they paint a picture of someone who took their injuries seriously.
When the records show missed appointments and abandoned treatment plans, they tell a different story—one the insurance company will use to argue you weren’t really hurt that badly. Completing your treatment isn’t just about healing your body; it’s about protecting the value of your case.
Protect Your Health and Your Claim
If you’ve been diagnosed with a herniated disc after a car accident, follow your treatment plan all the way through. Go to every appointment. Complete every session of physical therapy. Follow your doctor’s recommendations even when you start feeling better.
If you’re struggling with medical bills or unsure how treatment affects your case, contact Noakes Law Group for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and fight for full compensation. Don’t let one mistake cost you everything.